Integral type air conditioner and front panel thereof

ABSTRACT

A front panel for an integral type air conditioner is provided. The front panel includes a side intake hole formed at a side portion thereof such that air from a space to be air conditioned is taken in there through. The front panel also has a discharge hole through which the intake air is discharged.

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 2003-63980, filed on Sep. 16, 2003 and Korean Patent Application No. 2003-68590, filed on Oct. 2, 2003 which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a front panel of an air conditioner, and more particularly, to an inlet/outlet portion of a front panel of an integral type air conditioner, where the inlet/outlet portion of the front panel intakes and discharges air.

2. Description of the Related Art

In a general integral type air conditioner, an indoor unit part and an outdoor unit part are constructed as a single body. This obviates the need to employ a long hose. It also facilitates, among other things, installation and transportation. Further, the indoor unit part is disposed indoors to cool air, and the outdoor unit part is disposed outdoors to cool hot working fluid.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a conventional integral type air conditioner. Construction and operation of the conventional integral type air conditioner will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

As shown, the air conditioner includes a base panel 1 formed on a bottom surface of the air conditioner; an indoor unit part formed indoors to cool indoor air; and an outdoor unit part formed outdoors to exhaust hot air.

The indoor unit part includes a front grill 3 formed on an indoor front surface of the base panel 1; an intake grill 4 formed on a front surface of the front grill 3; an indoor heat exchanger 5 formed at an inner side of the front grill 3; an air guide 7 formed at an inner side of the indoor heat exchanger 5; a scroll 9 formed at an inner side of the air guide 7; an inflow guide 11 formed at a front surface of the scroll 9 that corresponds with the indoor heat exchanger 5; and an indoor fan 13 formed within the scroll 9.

A discussion of the construction and operation for the indoor unit part will be made below.

At a lower side of the front grill 3, an intake part 31 is formed as a passage through which indoor air is introduced. At an upper side of the front grill 3, a discharge grill 32 is formed which allows air heat-exchanged in the indoor heat exchanger 5 to be again discharged toward the indoors.

The indoor heat exchanger 5 is disposed at an inner side of the front grill 3. The indoor heat exchanger 5 exchanges heat between the air taken in through the intake part 31 and the working fluid.

The air guide 7 partitions the air conditioner into indoor and outdoor portions. Accordingly, the air guide 7 shields indoor cool air from an outdoor hot air by the air guide 7. Further, a brace 8 is formed at an upper stage of the air guide 7 that connects with a shroud 18 which will be described below.

A flow guide surface 91 is formed within the scroll 9. As may be seen in FIG. 1, the flow guide surface 91 has a curvature from one side to the other side to provide a smooth flow of the indoor air. Further, an orifice 11 includes an orifice hole 12 which guides indoor air passing through the indoor heat exchanger 5 into an indoor fan 13. The orifice 11 also has a discharge guide 111 formed at an upper stage of the orifice 11 to guide heat-exchanged air into a discharge grill 32.

The indoor fan 13 intakes indoor air through the intake part 31, the indoor heat exchanger 5 and the orifice hole 12. Additionally, the indoor fan 13 is a centrifugal fan which intakes air through the orifice hole 12, and then blows the air in a centrifugal direction. The outlet air from the indoor fan 13 is guided along the flow guide surface 91 to flow into the discharge guide 111.

The above description is for the indoor unit part of the integral type air conditioner. The construction and operation of the outdoor unit part partitioned from the indoor unit part by the air guide 7 will be henceforth described below.

The outdoor unit part includes a motor 15 formed outside of the air guide 7 and a blower fan 17 fixed to an outdoor rotor axis of the motor 15. The outdoor unit part also has a shroud 18 formed on the base panel 1 to guide an air stream formed by the blower fan 17, an outdoor heat exchanger 19 formed at the outdoor base panel 1 to face with the shroud 18, and an outer case 21 for forming an outershell of the air conditioner.

The motor 15 protrudes such that two sides of a rotation axis of the motor 15 face each other. One side rotation axis passes through the air guide 7 and extends to a center of the scroll 9, thereby rotating the indoor fan 13. Additionally, the other side of the rotation axis is formed at the blower fan 17 which results in an outdoor airflow. The blower fan 17 further includes a ring 171 to connect its wing ends with one another.

The shroud 18 includes a passage hole 181 within which the blower fan 17 is positioned. Further, the shroud 18 guides external air taken in by the blower fan 17, and forces the flow of outdoor air towards the outdoor heat exchanger 19. The shroud 18 connects to both side ends of the outdoor heat exchanger 19, and is supported by the brace 8 at an upper stage.

The outdoor heat exchanger 19 allows the air intake and the operation fluid of an air conditioning cycle to be heat-exchanged with each other.

A compressor 20 is disposed as a structural element of the air conditioning cycle on the base panel 1 between the air guide 7 and the shroud 18. On the base panel 1, a compressor mounting part 10 on which the compressor 20 is mounted is formed.

FIG. 2 illustrates a related-art air conditioner. When the air conditioner shown in FIG. 2 begins operation, the indoor unit part introduces air through the intake part 31 disposed at a lower side surface of the front grill 3. The indoor part then cools the introduced air and outputs the cooled air back indoors through the discharge grill 32 disposed at an upper surface of the front grill 3. Further, the outdoor unit part intakes air through the passage hole of the outer circumference surface of the outer case 20. Heat-exchange then occurs with the intake air and the heat-exchanged air exits towards the outdoors through another passage hole provided on a rear surface of the outer case 20. In the drawings, the arrows represent airflow.

However, the above-described related-art integral type air conditioner has drawbacks. The intake grill for intaking the indoor air, and the discharge grill for discharging air to the indoor space are installed in the front panel. However, if the front panel is continuously externally exposed, foreign particles such as dust, etc. may accumulate on the front panel.

In detail, the related-art integral type air conditioner has a drawback in that foreign particles such as dust, etc. accumulate on a plurality of intake holes provided on the intake grill and a plurality of discharge holes provided on the discharge grill. The accumulation of foreign particles degrades the appearance and contribute to an unhealthy environment.

Further, the related-art integral type air conditioner has a drawback in that the intake hole and the discharge hole are compact. Therefore, the holes are difficult to clean.

Furthermore, the intake hole and the discharge of the related-art integral type air conditioner expose internal parts thereby detracting from the external appearance of the related-art air conditioner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a an integral type air conditioner and front panel thereof that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a front panel of an integral type air conditioner in which the inside of the front panel is not shown from the front side of the air conditioner.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner in which the discharge hole of the indoor unit part is selectively shielded to enhance the appearance of the air conditioner when the air conditioner is not operated.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided a front panel for an integral type air conditioner comprising a side intake hole formed at a side portion thereof such that a desired space air is introduced. The integral type air conditioner also has a discharge hole through which the air taken into the air conditioner is discharged; a discharge door for selectively shielding the discharge hole; and a door opening/closing assembly for opening/closing the discharge door.

In an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an integral type air conditioner comprising a compressor; and an air guide for partitioning the air conditioner into an indoor unit part and an outdoor unit part and guiding air flow. In addition, the integral type air conditioner has an indoor heat exchanger and outdoor heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between a working fluid circulated by the compressor and an external air; a fan for forcibly generating air flow in the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger; and a motor for providing a rotational force to rotate the fan. Moreover, the integral type air conditioner includes a cabinet forming an appearance of the air conditioner; and a front panel formed at a front side of the cabinet and having a side intake hole through which air is taken in at a side portion of the cabinet; and a discharge hole formed at a predetermined location and through which cooled air is discharged.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an integral type air conditioner comprising a compressor; a base panel on which the compressor is mounted; an air guide for partitioning the air conditioner into an indoor unit part and an outdoor unit part and guiding air flow, and an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger which allows heat exchange between a working fluid circulated by the compressor and an external air. Further, the integral type air conditioner includes a fan for forcibly generating air flow in the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger; a motor for providing a rotational force to rotate the fan; and a cabinet forming an appearance of the air conditioner. The integral type air conditioner also has a front panel formed at a front side of the cabinet and having a discharge hole through which cooled air is discharged; a discharge door for opening/closing the discharge hole upward or downward; and a door opening/closing assembly for opening and closing the discharge door.

In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an integral type air conditioner comprising a compressor; a base panel on which the compressor is mounted; and an air guide for partitioning the air conditioner into an indoor unit part and an outdoor unit part and guiding air flow. The integral type air conditioner also includes an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger for allowing heat exchange between a working fluid circulated by the compressor and an external air; a fan for forcibly generating air flow in the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger; and a motor for providing a rotational force to rotate the fan. Furthermore, the integral type air conditioner has a cabinet forming an appearance of the air conditioner; and a front panel formed at a front side of the cabinet and having a discharge hole through which cooled air is discharged. Additionally, the integral type air conditioner comprises a discharge door for opening/closing the discharge hole upward or downward; and a door opening/closing assembly for opening and closing the discharge door.

The present invention enhances efficiency of an air conditioner.

Also, the grill is not formed at the front side of the front panel unlike the related-art. Thus, inner parts of an integral type air conditioner are not exposed to an exterior. In addition, since the discharge door shields the indoor discharge hole when the air conditioner is not in use, the present invention enhances an appearance of the front side of an air conditioner.

Further, since the front side of the front panel protrudes from a structure where a center portion is rounded, an appearance of the integral type air conditioner is enhanced. Accordingly, it is anticipated that a user's interest is elevated.

Furthermore, since a conventional grill is not formed, a front panel is prevented from being contaminated due to foreign particles such as dust that accumulates on the intake hole or the discharge hole of the grill. Also, the lack of a conventional grill increases the ease with which the integrated air conditioner may be cleaned. For example, when the air conditioner is not used or air cleaning occurs, since the discharge door shields the indoor discharge hole, foreign particles cannot penetrate the discharge hole. Thus, contamination of the front panel is generally prevented.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an integral type air conditioner according to the related-art;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a usage state in the related-air conditioner;

FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway perspective view of an integral type air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an integral type air conditioner according to the present invention;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are rear perspective views of a front panel in an integral type air conditioner according to the present invention, in particular, FIG. 5 shows a state of when the discharge door in a closed state, and FIG. 6 shows the discharge door in an opened state;

FIG. 7 illustrates an air circulation structure in an indoor unit part of an integral type air conditioner according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates an appearance structure of an integral type air conditioner according to the present invention; and

FIGS. 9 and 10 are longitudinal sectional views of an integral type air conditioner according to the present invention, in particular, FIG. 9 shows an operation of when an air cleaning function is not performed, and FIG. 10 shows an operation of when the air cleaning function is performed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway perspective view of an integral type air conditioner according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an integral type air conditioner according to the present invention. As shown, an integral type air conditioner includes a base panel 100 constituting the bottom of the air conditioner, a cabinet 700 constituting the appearance of the air conditioner and in which various parts constituting a heat exchange cycle are received, an indoor unit part received in the indoor side of the cabinet 700 and which warm air is taken in through and cool air is exhausted, and an outdoor unit part received in the outdoor unit part of the cabinet 700 so as to cool working fluid.

Hereinafter, the construction of the indoor unit part will be described. In the air conditioner according to the present invention, the construction of the indoor unit part includes: a front panel 200 disposed at the most front end of the air conditioner to form the outershell structure of the front side, a discharge door 230 arranged at a rear side of the front panel 200, for selectively opening and closing the discharge part of the front panel; an air guide 350 arranged on the base panel 100, partitioning the air conditioner into the indoor unit part and the outdoor unit part and including an upper air guide 350 and a lower air guide 310 so as to guide air flow in the indoor unit part; an inner base plate 320 formed at a lower portion of the lower air guide 310 integrally with the lower air guide 310; left and right barriers 312 formed on a central portion of a front surface of the lower air guide 310 in an upper and lower direction; a discharge passage 352 formed in a front side of the upper air guide 350, for guiding the cooled air discharged from an indoor fan 420 to the front panel 200; a filter installation part 360 upwardly protruded on the upper air guide 350; a control box 380 installed at a right side of the upper air guide 350, for controlling a whole operation of the air conditioner; an indoor heat exchanger 400 arranged in a front side of the air guide 300, for cooling inner air; an inflow guide 410 formed between the indoor heat exchanger 400 and the air guide 300, and forming an inflow path of air; an indoor fan 420 arranged inside the lower air guide 310, for causing indoor air flow; and a fan motor 450 arranged at a rear side of the indoor fan 420, for allowing the indoor fan 420 to be rotated.

Next, the construction of the outdoor unit part will be described. The construction of the outdoor unit part includes: a shroud 500 arranged away by a predetermined distance in a rear side from the air guide 300, for guiding air flow in the outdoor unit part; an outdoor fan equipped in a through hole 502 of the shroud 500, for forcibly blowing outdoor air so as to perform heat exchange; an outdoor heat exchanger 550 arranged in a rear side of the shroud 500; a compressor 560 mounted on the base panel 100 of the outdoor unit part and constituting a heat exchange cycle; and a rear panel 600 arranged in a rear side of the outdoor heat exchanger 550 and through which heat-exchanged hot air is discharged.

In the integral type air conditioner according to the present invention, the construction of the indoor unit part will be described in more detail. The front panel 200 includes: a front inhaling part 210 formed at a lower side of the front panel 200 and corresponding to an inlet for intaking air conditioning space air into the indoor side of the air conditioner; and a discharge part 220 formed at an upper side of the front panel 200 and through which heat-exchanged air is discharged into an air conditioning space. The heat-exchanged air can selectively be discharged through either the aforementioned discharge part 220 or the filter installation part 360. Alternatively, a filter may be installed inside the filter installation part 360 to filter foreign particles contained in the discharged air.

Alternatively, the discharge part 220 may be formed at both sides of the front panel 200. In other words, in order to cool the indoor side wholly by discharging cool air in a side direction with respect to the front side of the air conditioner, and to enhance the appearance beauty of the air conditioner, a side intake part 215 can be formed at both side ends of the front panel 200. The side intake part 215 can be formed together with or separately from the front intake part 210. Also, the front side of the front panel 200 may be configured to be convex to enhance the appearance beauty.

At the rear side of the front panel 200, a discharge door 230 is installed to selectively open and close the discharge part 220. The discharge door 230 selectively opens or closes the discharge part 220 with sliding upward or downward according to a user's intent.

At the front end of the discharge part 220, a discharge guide member 222 for guiding the discharge direction of the discharged air is further provided.

At the rear surface of the front panel 200, a door opening/closing assembly for opening and closing the discharge door 230 upward or downward is installed. The door opening/closing assembly is shown in FIG. 5 and will be described later.

The inner base plate 320 is configured to have a shape protruding from the lower side of the lower air guide 310 in the front direction, and is formed to correspond to the front end of the base panel 100 and is fixed to the base panel 100. An upper portion of the inner base plate 320 corresponds to a portion where condensed water condensed by the indoor heat exchanger 400 is collected and exhausted to an outdoor space. At the upper portion of the inner base plate 320, a guide rib 321 for collecting the condensed water is formed.

At the front center portion of the lower air guide 310, a left and right barrier 312 is formed long in a longitudinal direction. In other words, the left and right barrier 312 protrudes in the front direction from the front center portion of the lower air guide 310 to partition the front space of the lower air guide 310 into left space and right space. The left and right barrier 312 balances in the center of gravity due to the indoor fans 420 and the motors 450 respectively arranged at the left side and the right side. In addition, the wind amounts by the respective indoor fans 420 can be formed independently.

At both portions of the lower air guide 310, indoor fan installation grooves 314 are formed. The indoor fan installation grooves 314 are formed to have a corresponding size to the diameter of the indoor fan 420, and their circumferences are preferably protrudes toward the front side by a predetermined portion.

The discharge passage 352 protrudes by a predetermined portion from the rear end of the upper air guide 350 toward the front side, and its front end is formed to correspond to the discharge part 220 of the front panel 200.

On the upper air guide 350, a filter installation part 360 protrudes upward. A high performance filter 370 for filtering the air discharged into the indoor space is mounted on the filter installation part 360 from an upper side.

The high performance filter 370 is a high efficiency filter with the same filtering capacitance as that used in a general air conditioner, and can completely filter contaminants in the air. In order to obtain a high efficiency filtering effect, it is typical to use a filter having a volume as large as possible. To accommodate a large volume of high performance filter 370, the filter installation part 360, the grill mounting part 742 and a filter grill 740 are provided.

The control box 380 is formed in a predetermined size, and although not shown in the drawings, it accommodates capacitors and control elements such as a circuit board for controlling the operation of the air conditioner. The whole operation of the air conditioner can be controlled by the control box 380.

The indoor heat exchanger 400 corresponds to a portion where there occurs a heat exchange between the working fluid of a heat exchange cycle and the intake air in an air conditioning space. Although not shown in the drawings, it is natural that a tubular path through which working fluid is introduced or discharged be formed.

The inflow guide 410 functions to guide air which has been heat-exchanged in the indoor heat exchanger 400. At the inflow guide 410, a pair of through holes 412 are formed to correspond to the indoor fan installation grooves 314 of the lower air guide 310. Inside the air guide 300, the indoor fans 420 are installed to provide a driving force for air flow in the indoor unit side. The indoor fans 420 are formed one pair at the left and right sides. In other words, the indoor fans 420 are respectively located at the indoor fan installation grooves 314 formed at the left and right sides of the lower air guide 310.

One front end of a central shaft 452 of each fan motor 450 is inserted into the indoor fan 420 and the other rear end is inserted into the outdoor fan 460. Accordingly, the fan motor 450 can supply a rotational driving force to both the indoor fan 420 and the outdoor fan 460 at the same time. In other words, the rotational shaft of the fan motor 450 extends to both directions, and the indoor fan 420 is coupled with one end and the outdoor fan 460 is coupled with the other end. Also, the fan motor 450 is mounted directly on the rear surface of the air guide 300 or may be supported by a separate bracket.

In addition, inside the discharge passage 352, a discharge passage guide is formed to guide discharged air.

In detail, the main function of the discharge passage guide can be performed by a fluid passage guide plate 354. The fluid passage guide plate is shaped in a rectangular plate, and guides the flow of the air which is forcibly blown and introduced into the inside of the upper air guide 350, in a proper direction according to the air conditioning function or air filtering function.

In detail, a front end of the fluid passage guide plate 354 is hinge-fixed to a lower front end of the filter installation part 360, and a stepping motor (see 356 of FIG. 8) for driving the fluid passage guide plate 354 is installed at a predetermined portion of the fixed portion. So, as the stepping motor (356 of FIG. 8) rotates according to a user's choice, the rear end of the fluid passage guide plate 354 moves up and down to selectively shield the discharge passage 352.

In detail, the air which is introduced into the inside of the upper air guide 350 by the indoor fan 420 is discharged (i.e., air conditioning function) through the discharge part 220 located at the front side of the discharge passage 352 according to a user's choice, or the air is introduced through an upper portion of the discharge passage 352 and discharged (i.e., air cleaning function) upward via the high performance filter 370, in which the discharge direction is determined by the fluid passage guide plate 354.

In other words, if the rear end of the fluid passage guide plate 354 ascends to be leveled by a forward rotation of the stepping motor 356, the fluid passage guide plate 354 shields the lower portion of the filter installation part 360, so that the air which is forcibly discharged by the indoor fan 420 is discharged in the front direction of the discharge passage 352. At this time, only the air conditioning function is performed.

To the contrary, if the rear end of the fluid passage guide plate 354 descends by a reward rotation of the stepping motor 356 and is contacted with the bottom of the discharge passage 352, the front surface of the discharge passage 352 is shielded, so that the air which is forcibly blown by the indoor fan 420 is discharged upward via the high performance filter 370. At this time, the air cleaning function as well as the air conditioning function is performed.

Next, although not shown in the drawings, a vent hole may be further formed at a predetermined portion of the air guide 300 and the inflow guide 410. Outer air is selectively taken in through the vent hole to vent the inner air. Accordingly, a damper is installed at a predetermined portion of the air guide 300, and is operated by a separate driving motor to open and close the vent hole.

In the meanwhile, although not shown in the drawings, a vent tunnel for guiding outdoor air may be further formed such that outer air is introduced through the vent hole. In other words, a vent tunnel for guiding rear air to a front side and allowing the guided air to be introduced into the vent hole may be further formed below a brace (not shown) connecting between the upper end of the air guide 300 and the shroud 500.

In the integral type air conditioner according to the present invention, the construction of the outdoor unit part will be described in detail. At left and right portions of the shroud 500, through holes 502 are respectively formed that correspond to the indoor fan installation grooves 314 of the air guide 300. Also, at an upper portion of the shroud 500, a guide bead 504 which guides condensed water guided by a ring 422 formed on an outer circumference of the outdoor fan 460 may be further formed.

The ring 422 splashes the condensed water staying in the lower portion to spray the splashed water on the outdoor heat exchanger 550. The operation of the ring 422 lowers the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 550 on the cooling operation to thereby enhance the cooling efficiency.

The outdoor heat exchanger 550 functions to discharge indoor heat to an exterior while the air conditioner is operated in the cooling mode by heat exchange between the working fluid of a heat exchange cycle and air intake from the exterior.

The compressor 560 is connected with the indoor heat exchanger 400 and the outdoor heat exchanger 550 by a tubular path to circulate refrigerant. In particular, the compressor is installed between the air guide 300 and the shroud 500, in more detail, between the air guide and the shroud and at the same time between the left fan motor 450 and the right fan motor 450. By doing so, the compressor 560 is located at the center of the outdoor unit part with respect to the left and right directions.

At the rear panel 600, a plurality of grill discharge outlets 610 through which inner air is discharged are formed in the horizontal direction. In other words, the grill discharge outlets 610 are made by forming a plurality of triangular protrusions on the rear panel and cutting away the furrow portion between the protrusions in the horizontal direction.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are rear perspective views of a front panel in an integral type air conditioner according to the present invention. FIG. 5 shows the discharge door closed and FIG. 6 shows the discharge door opened.

The door opening/closing assembly will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. The door opening/closing means includes a motor installation part 242 fixed to a rear surface of the front panel 200 and a driving motor 244 installed on the rear surface of the motor installation part 242. The door opening/closing means also has a rotational shaft 246 through which the central shaft of the driving motor 244 extends, a rotational pinion 248, or an active motion part, installed on the rotational shaft 246, and a rack 232 having a gear which engages with a gear of the rotational pinion 248.

Also, the rack 232 is formed on and integrally with a rear surface of the discharge door 230 in a longitudinal direction. The rack 232 allows for movement of the discharge door 230 in an upward and a downward direction according to the rotation of the rotational pinion 248. For example, if the driving motor 244 is driven by an externally applied power, the rotational pinion 248 that interlocks with the driving motor 244 rotates and the discharge door 230 slides in an upward or downward direction.

As shown in FIG. 5, the discharge door 230 moves in an upward direction to shield the discharge part 220, and therefore, the rack 232, or a passive motion part, can be observed through the discharge guide member 222. However, as may be seen in FIG. 6, the discharge door 230 moves in a downward direction to open the discharge part 220, and therefore, the rack 232 can be observed only at the lower side of the discharge guide member 222.

FIG. 7 illustrates an indoor air circulation structure in an integral type air conditioner according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7, driving the indoor fan 420 causes the intake of indoor air through the front intake part 210 and the side intake part 215. The intake indoor air then passes through the indoor heat exchanger 400. After the intake indoor air passes into the indoor heat exchanger 400, heat-exchange occurs such that the intake indoor air is at a relative low temperature. Once heat exchange occurs, the indoor fan 420 discharges the intake indoor air.

The air guide 300 guides the air discharged from the indoor fan 420 for transmission to the discharge passage 352. The air transmitted to the discharge passage 352 is discharged into a space to be air conditioned through the discharge part 220.

In FIG. 7, the arrows depict the indoor air circulation process divided into an intake process and a discharge process.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the front intake part 210 may be eliminated and the side intake part 215 is formed at both side ends. In this embodiment, intake efficiency is maintained. In addition, in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention, the front intake part 210 illustrated is formed only at the lower end. However, it should be noted that the side intake part 215 may be formed at the front surface of the front panel for an appealing appearance.

FIG. 8 illustrates an appearance structure of an integral type air conditioner according to the present invention. The construction and operation of the cabinet in an integral type air conditioner according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 8.

The cabinet 700 covers the air conditioner except for a lower side portion and a front and rear portion in order to shield the elements of the air conditioner. The cabinet 700 also forms air passages inside the air conditioner.

In detail, an installation guide part 710 is formed on an upper surface of the cabinet 700 in a horizontal direction. The installation guide part 710 recesses in a downward direction by a predetermined depth from the upper surface of the cabinet 700. The installation part 710 mounts the air conditioner along a window frame of a building in a stable and secure manner. A curtain assembly or the like can be mounted on the installation guide part 710.

At rear portions of both side portions of the cabinet 700, a plurality of side intake holes 720 are formed through which air is taken in from side directions. At a rear portion of the upper portion of the cabinet 700, a plurality of upper intake holes 730 are selectively formed through which air is taken in from an upper direction.

Also, at the front edge of the upper portion of the cabinet 700, i.e., at the front side of the installation guide part 710, a filter grill 740 which guides the discharge direction of the air that passes the high performance filter 370 is installed. The filter grill 740 corresponds to the upper surface of the high performance filter 370 mounted on the upper air guide 350. As such, the air that has passed the high performance filter 370 smoothly discharges to the outside. Also, since the high performance filter 370 is formed in a separate assembly, the high performance filter 370 may be equipped both attachably and detachably. The grill mounting part 742 on which the filter grill 740 mounts both protrudes from and penetrates the upper surface of the cabinet 700. The filter grill 740 mounts on the grill mounting part 742 from an upper direction. Accordingly, during cleaning of the filter grill 740, the filter grill 740 is lifted up, separated from the cabinet 700 and then cleaned. A handgrip 750 is formed at both side portions of the cabinet 700 for easy installation and movement.

Hereinafter, the operation of an integral type air conditioner in accordance with the present invention and described above will be discussed. It is noted that the operation of the integral type air conditioner is described on the basis of an operation standard of a cooling mode.

FIGS. 9 and 10 schematically show longitudinal sectional views of an integral type air conditioner according to the present invention. In the above drawings, it is noted that only main parts are shown and not all parts in order to describe the operation of the air conditioner.

Specifically, FIG. 9 shows the operation when an air cleaning function is not being performed. FIG. 10 shows the operation when the air cleaning function is being performed.

During operation of the air conditioner, the left and right fan motors 450 rotate the left indoor fan 420 and the right indoor fan 460. Additionally, the compressor 560 (see FIG. 4) circulates work fluid through the heat exchange cycle. In this embodiment, the indoor fan 420 uses the centrifugal fan thereby effectively using the indoor space. Additionally, the outdoor fan 460 uses an axial fan in order to increase an air flow.

Driving the indoor fan 420 at the left and right sides causes indoor air to be taken in through the front intake part 210 and through the indoor heat exchanger 400. The air which is heat-exchanged to a relatively low temperature in the indoor heat exchanger 400 is taken into the indoor fan 420. The air then discharges in the circumference direction of the indoor fan. For this, the centrifugal fan of the indoor fan 420 can be applied, and the indoor fan 420 may be a turbo fan so as to increase airflow.

The air discharged in the circumference direction of the indoor fan 420 is guided along the air guide 300. Additionally, the air guide 300 guides discharged air during air purification operations.

First, the operation of the air conditioner when air cleaning is not being performed will be described. When air discharges toward the front through the discharge passage, the stepping motor 356 rotates, thereby moving a rear portion of the passage guide plate 354 in an upward direction which opens the front of the discharge passage 352 and closes a bottom surface of the filter mounting part 360.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 9, the air forcibly ventilated by the indoor fan 420 does not flow into the high performance filter 370. Instead, the air discharges to the front via the discharge passage 352 through the discharge part 220. In this embodiment, the discharge door 230 moves in a downward direction as shown, thereby opening the discharge part 220. In this embodiment, the solid line arrows depict the operation states of the discharge door 230 and the passage guide plate 354. Additionally, the block arrows depict the airflow when the air purifying function is not being performed.

An embodiment where the air conditioner of the present invention purifies air will now be described. In order to clean air discharged to a space being air conditioned, the stepping motor 356 moves the rear end of the passage guide plate 354 in a downward direction. As such, the passage guide plate 354 shields the discharge passage 352 such that air forcibly blown from the indoor fan 420 flows into the lower surface of the filter mounting part 360 as shown in FIG. 10.

The high performance filter 370 purifies air introduced into the internal space of the filter mounting part 360 from the bottom as the air passes through the high performance filter 370. The purified air discharges to the top through the filter grill 740. In this embodiment, the discharge door 230 moves to the top as shown in FIG. 9 thereby shielding the discharge part 220 since air is not discharged to the front through the discharge passage 352.

If the above-described discharge air passes through the high performance filter 370, foreign substances in the air are filtered such that the air conditioner supplies cleaner air to the space being air conditioned. Accordingly, since the air supplied into the space being air conditioned goes through the cleaning process as well as the cooling process, a more favorable environment within the space being air conditioned is created.

The outdoor fan 460 causes the intake of outdoor air into the air conditioner. In particular, the rotation of the outdoor fan 460 causes an inflow of external air into the air conditioner through the side intake hole 720 and the upper intake hole 730 of the cabinet 700. The air introduced into the air conditioner by the outdoor fan 460 is guided along the shroud 500. Additionally, heat exchange occurs between the air discharged to the rear by the outdoor fan 460 and the work fluid of the heat exchange cycle while passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 550. In addition, hot air of the work fluid is transmitted to the discharge air for discharge outdoors.

At this time, air introduced into the inside of the air conditioner having a relatively low temperature in the room temperature state is via an outer circumference of the compressor 560. The air disposed about the outer circumference of the compressor 560 lowers the temperature of the compressor 560.

The fan motor 450 couples at a rear surface of the lower air guide with a separate bracket (not shown). However, the fan motor 450 may couple with the air conditioner using any suitable method. To further illustrate, the fan motor 450 may be coupled directly to the air guide. In detail, only the driving shaft of the fan motor is not inserted into the lower air guide. Instead, the entire body of the fan motor 450 can be inserted into the lower air guide and mounted.

Also, a frame may be installed at a front surface of the front panel 200 thereby enhancing an appearance of the integral type air conditioner. Further, a flat display panel, for instance, a LCD monitor or a PDP panel may be installed in at a vacant space of the front surface of the front panel 200 for use in displaying an electronic image, for use as a monitor or for use as a television.

Furthermore, the compressor is installed at the center portion of the integral type air conditioner which increases the portability of the air conditioner of the present invention. Although the outdoor fan 460 includes two separate units, i.e., one pair, the compressor is not necessarily placed there between. More specifically, although the compressor is placed at any one side of the outdoor construction in the embodiments shown above, heat exchange efficiency in accordance with the present invention may be enhanced if blowing occurs throughout the entire area of the heat exchanger.

In an integral type air conditioner according to the present invention, since indoor air is taken in from many directions, the overall efficiency of-an integral type air conditioner of the present invention is enhanced.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the grill is not formed at the front side of the front panel. Therefore, internal parts of the present invention are not exposed to an exterior. In addition, since the discharge door of the present invention shields the indoor discharge hole when the air conditioner is not in use, the present invention enhances the appearance of the front side of the air conditioner.

Further, since the front side of the front panel protrudes in a structure having a rounded center portion, the present invention enhances an image of an air conditioner.

Furthermore, since the present invention does not include a related-art grill, the front panel does become contaminated from foreign particles which accumulate on an intake hole or the discharge hole of the grill. Thus, the present invention facilitates cleaning of an air conditioner and a front panel of the air conditioner. For example, when the air conditioner is not in use or the air conditioner of the present invention is not cleaning air, the discharge door shields the indoor discharge hole. Therefore, foreign particles are prevented from penetrating through the discharge hole and contamination of the front panel is prevented.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. A front panel for an air conditioner comprising: a side intake hole formed at a side portion of the front panel such that air is taken in there through; a discharge hole through which the intake air is discharged; a discharge door for selectively shielding the discharge hole; and a door opening/closing assembly for opening/closing the discharge door.
 2. The front panel structure according to claim 1, wherein the door opening/closing assembly comprises: a driving motor arranged on the front panel for generating a rotational power; a rotational shaft formed by extending a central shaft of the driving motor; a pinion installed on the rotational shaft; and a rack in mesh engagement with the pinion and fixed to the discharge door.
 3. The front panel structure according to claim 2, wherein the door opening/closing assembly further comprises: a second pinion; and a second rack.
 4. The front panel structure according to claim 1, wherein the door opening/closing assembly is formed at a rear surface of the discharge door.
 5. The front panel structure according to claim 1, further comprising a front intake hole formed at a front side thereof.
 6. The front panel structure according to claim 1, wherein the discharge hole is formed at a front upper portion of the front panel.
 7. The front panel structure according to claim 1, wherein the front panel has a front surface which is rounded in a forward direction of the front panel.
 8. The front panel structure according to claim 1, further comprising a front intake hole formed at a front lower portion thereof.
 9. An integral type air conditioner comprising: a compressor; an air guide for partitioning the air conditioner into an indoor unit part and an outdoor unit part and guiding air flow; an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between a working fluid circulated by the compressor and an external air; a fan for forcibly generating air flow in the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger; a motor for providing a rotational force to rotate the fan; a cabinet forming an appearance of the air conditioner; and a front panel formed at a front side of the cabinet, the front panel having: a side intake hole through which air is taken in through a side portion of the cabinet; and a discharge hole formed at a predetermined location and through which cooled air is discharged.
 10. The integral type air conditioner according to claim 9, further comprising a discharge door for selectively opening/closing the discharge hole.
 11. The integral type air conditioner according to claim 9, further comprising: a discharge door for opening/closing the discharge hole; and a door opening/closing assembly for allowing the discharge door to be operated.
 12. The integral type air conditioner according to claim 9, further comprising a discharge door for opening/closing the discharge hole in an up and down direction.
 13. The integral type air conditioner according to claim 9, further comprising: a discharge door for opening/closing the discharge hole; and a door opening/closing assembly including: a rack fixed on the discharge door for opening/closing the discharge door; and a pinion fixed on a fixed portion of the front panel.
 14. The integral type air conditioner according to claim 9, further comprising a front intake hole formed at a front lower portion of the front panel where the front intake hole extends in a horizontal direction.
 15. The integral type air conditioner according to claim 9, further comprising a front intake hole formed at a front portion of the front panel where the front intake hole extends in a horizontal direction.
 16. The integral type air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein the side intake hole is formed at sides of the integral type air conditioner.
 17. The integral type air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein the side intake hole extends in a longitudinal direction.
 18. An integral type air conditioner comprising: a compressor; a base panel on which the compressor is mounted; an air guide for partitioning the air conditioner into an indoor unit part and an outdoor unit part and guiding air flow; an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between a working fluid circulated by the compressor and an external air; a fan for forcibly generating air flow in the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger; a motor for providing a rotational force to rotate the fan; a cabinet forming an appearance of the air conditioner; a front panel formed at a front side of the cabinet and having a discharge hole through which cooled air is discharged; a discharge door for opening/closing the discharge hole upward or downward; and a door opening/closing assembly for opening and closing the discharge door.
 19. The integral type air conditioner according to claim 18, wherein the air guide allows air to be discharged toward the front surface/the upper surface of the air conditioner.
 20. The integral type air conditioner according to claim 18, further comprising a filter formed at an upper portion of the air guide, for filtering discharged air.
 21. The integral type air conditioner according to claim 18, wherein the air guide comprises a passage guide for allowing a flow direction of the air discharged into an indoor space to be switched.
 22. An integral type air conditioner comprising: a compressor; a base panel on which the compressor is mounted; an air guide for partitioning the air conditioner into an indoor unit part and an outdoor unit part and guiding air flow; an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between a working fluid circulated by the compressor and an external air; a fan for forcibly generating air flow in the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger; a motor for providing a rotational force to rotate the fan; a cabinet forming an appearance of the air conditioner; a front panel formed at a front side of the cabinet and having a discharge hole through which cooled air is discharged; a discharge door for opening/closing the discharge hole upward or downward; and a door opening/closing assembly for opening and closing the discharge door.
 23. The integral type air conditioner according to claim 22, wherein the door opening/closing assembly comprises: a passive motion part fixed to the discharge door; and an active motion part formed at a fixed portion of the front panel.
 24. The integral type air conditioner according to claim 22, wherein the compressor is placed at a center portion with respect to a left side and a right side of the outdoor unit part.
 25. The integral type air conditioner according to claim 22, further comprising: a second fan, wherein the fan and the second fan forcibly generate air flow in the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger.
 26. The integral type air conditioner according to claim 22, further comprising: a second fan, where the fan and the second fan forcibly generate air flow in the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger wherein the compressor is formed at a center portion of the fan and the second fan.
 27. The integral type air conditioner according to claim 23 wherein the passive motion part of the door opening/closing assembly is a rack.
 28. The integral type air conditioner according to claim 23, wherein the active motion part of the door opening/closing assembly is a pinion. 